Michel-Lévy was a brilliant student, and is today called one of the pioneers of microscopic petrology. His interest turned to geology, and in 1862 he matriculated at the Polytechnic School, then entered the School of Mines, from which he graduated at the head of his class in 1867. From 1870 he made his career with the government Geological.

Very scarce. An excellent early textbook on microscopical mineralogy and petrology that contains much original research. The first portion deals with the theoretical aspects of the study and was authored by Michel-Lévy. The second section dealing with the physical and optical data for all important species was written by both authors.